NZR’s Mind Set Engage wellbeing series Kōrero About It premieres

New Zealand Rugby’s (NZR) mental wellbeing programme Mind Set Engage premieres a brand-new series Kōrero About It now rolling out on socials, NZR+ and NZR and All Blacks YouTube.

Kōrero About It provides a unique insight into the lives of our rugby professionals including their lived experiences with mental health and wellbeing.

The six-part series features NZR Mind Set Engage’s ambasssadors All Blacks Will Jordan, Anton Lienert-Brown and Harry Plummer, Black Ferns Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Katelyn Vahaakolo, and professional New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe. 

NZR Chief People Safety & Wellbeing Officer Toni Grimshaw said Kōrero About It supports NZR’s key priorities on participant wellbeing and player safety.  

“Kōrero About It aims to encourage open conversations and create more supportive environments for those who are experiencing mental health challenges. The campaign will drive positive mental wellbeing messages in our communities and ensure mental health information is more accessible no matter where you are,” Grimshaw said. 

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand is a partner of Mind Set Engage and Chief Executive Shaun Robinson showed his support for the initiative. 

“Mind Set Engage uses authentic role models who safely share the strategies that keeps them mentally well, along with how to get back on track when it’s not going well. They play an important part in reducing the stigma that often sits with mental health and give people the encouragement to flourish,” Robinson said. 

NZR Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing Dr. Nathan Price echoed those thoughts and said having recognisable faces helps reduce the stigma that can still exist around mental health, not only in rugby but in our society. 

“We are immensely proud of our ambassadors who have shown their openness to talk about personal moments and challenges faced. Sometimes we need to hear it from someone else that it’s ok to not be ok and ask for help when you need it, and we know rugby and its professionals can reach a wide audience,” Price said.  

The NZR Mind Set Engage ambassadors talk specifically to the power of vulnerability and that although it takes signifcant courage to be vulnerable, it has been something that has helped them with their journey. 

“There is enormous strength in vulnerability and the way they role model this for others who may also be going through their own experiences is incredibly powerful,” Price said.   

Watch Harry Plummer in episode one on October 7, 7.00pm (NZT) followed by Katelyn Vahaakolo in episode two on October 14. 

About Mind Set Engage

Mind Set Engage is NZR’s mental wellbeing programme that supports players, coaches, rugby staff, volunteers and whānau to improve their own mental wellbeing and provide tools to help others. The programme operates across the country delivering face-to-face workshops and providing resources seeing significant success. 

Find out more via mindsetengage.co.nz.

Episode 1: Harry Plummer – available tonight on NZR socials and YouTube (5.00pm Oct 8 on NZR+ and All Blacks YouTube) 

Harry Plummer takes us through the many setbacks he’s faced in his rugby career including social media backlash and a heart condition that kept him sidelined. Plummer’s story is admirable as he never gave up on his rugby dreams which saw him win a Super Rugby Pacific Championship with the Blues and make his All Blacks debut in 2024.

Episode 2: Katelyn Vahaakolo – premieres October 14

Black Fern winger Katelyn Vahaakolo is proud of her Māori and Tongan heritage. She shares her story of self-discovery, her journey through learning Te Reo Māori and how tough experiences as an adolescent helped shaped the person and rugby player she is today.

Disclaimer: If you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood, thoughts of self-harm or just need to talk, you can free call or text 1737 to chat to a trained professional or visit your nearest GP. 

Episode 3: Maiakawanakaulani Roos – premieres October 21

Join Black Fern Maiakawanakaulani Roos who speaks on an experience in high school that changed her life forever. Persevering through this tough time as a young athlete, while juggling rugby at highest levels is an admirable story. 

Disclaimer: If you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood, thoughts of self-harm or just need to talk, you can free call or text 1737 to chat to a trained professional or visit your nearest GP. 

Episode 4: Ben O’Keeffe – premieres October 29

Ben O’Keeffe has a unique story to tell as both a top-level New Zealand referee and medical professional. He addresses the challenges of online abuse and raises awareness of how abuse in any form is never okay. 

Episode 5: Anton Lienert-Brown – premieres November 4

Join us as we sit down with All Black Anton Lienert-Brown who bravely opens up about his own struggles with anxiety. This is a remarkable story on self-awareness and strategies to help yourself and others. 

Episode 6: Will Jordan – premieres November 11

All Black Will Jordan speaks on what it was like to go through his shoulder injury that ruled him out of selection for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season. We learn about how it impacted his mental health and different ways of how he built resilience at times self-motivation was low.